GENERAL ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT URGES UNITY AMONG CULTURES

GENERAL ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT URGES UNITY AMONG CULTURES
New York, May 11 2007 8:00PM
Closing a major conference today at United Nations Headquarters in New York, General Assembly President Sheikha Haya Rashed Al Khalifa called on the peoples of the world to overcome their mutual indifference to each other to solve grave global problems.

"As President of the General Assembly, I have the opportunity to closely observe the misery that millions of humans suffer from in the face of sometimes fatal indifference," Sheikha Haya said at the end of a two-day programme on the co-existence of cultures.

"I also had the opportunity to learn the means by which nations, if they unite as one, could overcome difficulties regardless of their size and type," she added.

Entitled Civilizations and the Challenges for Peace: Obstacles and Opportunities, the programme featured prominent academics, commentators and political leaders exploring causes and solutions for tensions between different groups.

During the programme, four panel discussions took place, entitled: "Respect for cultural diversity is a prerequisite for dialogue," "Religion in Contemporary Society," "The responsibility of the media," and "Civilizations and the challenge for global peace and security."

In addition, a roundtable on the arts asked the question, "How can the UN better use the arts in further developing strategies to bridge the gap between cultures?"

During the discussions, most delegates agreed that current world tensions involved many more factors than religion, with many mentioning political and economic inequality in particular.

Some of the panellists suggested ways that religion could help people solve their problems peacefully. Author Karen Armstrong, for example, proposed that religious leaders turn their focus to the core value of compassion, such as that expressed by the Golden Rule, which is common to major religions.

Sheikha Haya and Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon opened the programme yesterday, with both officials calling on religious figures, the media, and individuals to promote respect for diversity.
2007-05-11 00:00:00.000

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UN-BACKED CIVIL SOCIETY FORUM URGES ACTION ON MIDDLE EAST PEACE

UN-BACKED CIVIL SOCIETY FORUM URGES ACTION ON MIDDLE EAST PEACE
New York, May 11 2007 7:00PM
Sounding a strong collective call to action, a broad cross-section of civil society gathered in Pretoria for a United Nations-backed Public Forum in Support of Israeli-Palestinian Peace <"http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs//2007/gapal1052.doc.htm">stressed the urgent need to press for the immediate resumption of the political dialogue between the two sides, and for renewed efforts to keep talks focused on ending the occupation and alleviating the suffering of the Palestinian people.

The day-long Forum, convened by the UN Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, featured academics, activists, writers, former-government negotiators and civil society experts on the situation in the Middle East.

Opening the Forum, which was held at the University of Pretoria, Committee Chairman Paul Badji said that a resolution of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict would be impossible without informing and mobilizing public opinion, and civil society organizations, including the media, were at the forefront of that effort.

Their non-violent actions, bringing together Palestinian, Israeli and international activists, "is the best example of fighting for peace by peaceful means," he said, urging civil society actors to intensify efforts, in their respective fields, to alleviate hardships of Palestinians, mobilize national and global public opinion and engage their respective national decision-makers to support efforts aimed at a peaceful solution of the conflict.

The Forum followed the UN African Meeting on the Question of Palestine, which had devoted a large portion of its work to finding new and creative ways to mobilize civil society – in Africa and beyond – to generate greater awareness of the Palestinian struggle.

That meeting "wholeheartedly welcomed" the increased international efforts to achieve a viable peace between the Israelis and Palestinians, seeing in those efforts the world community's renewed determination to bring a close to the decades-old conflict.

Participants were encouraged by recent positive political developments on the ground, chiefly the formation of the new Palestinian National Unity Government, the regular meetings that had begun to take place between President Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, the revival of the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative and the League of Arab States' decision to establish working groups tasked with engaging international partners in that regard and efforts by the diplomatic Quartet to broaden the scope of its work by engaging regional actors.

At the same time, the participants, who included UN and other diplomats, world renowned experts on the situation in the Middle East, parliamentarians and members of the academic community and civil society, expressed "great concern" at the deepening economic and humanitarian crisis in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Those hardships, in their view, were a direct consequence of the continuing occupation, further compounded by the withholding of direct donor assistance to the Palestinian Authority.
2007-05-11 00:00:00.000

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SECURITY COUNCIL WORKING GROUP URGES ACTION TO DEMOBILIZE CHILD SOLDIERS

SECURITY COUNCIL WORKING GROUP URGES ACTION TO DEMOBILIZE CHILD SOLDIERS
New York, May 11 2007 7:00PM
The United Nations Security Council Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict has demanded that the parties in Sri Lanka and Nepal demobilize all child soldiers without delay, as it also examined new reports on children caught up in fighting in Uganda and Somalia.

In messages addressed to the Sri Lankan rebels known as the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), as well as the so-called Karuna faction – which split from them and now supports Government troops – the Group, meeting yesterday, called for the cessation of child recruitment, respect for safe zones for children and guarantees of humanitarian access to all areas, according to the Office of the Secretary-General's Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict.

Addressing the Government of Nepal and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist), which are now engaged in a peace process under UN monitoring, the Working Group called for the immediate liberation of child soldiers without waiting for further stages in that process.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, Radhika Coomaraswamy, welcomed the actions of the Working Group.

"These recommendations send a strong message to the LTTE, a repeat offender who has been on the Secretary General's list of violators for four years and to the Karuna faction-TMVP. They have to stop grave violations of children's rights, especially the recruitment and the use of children in the conflict in Sri Lanka," she said.

"In regard to Nepal, we hope that the children who remain in the ranks of the Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist (CPN-M) will be demobilized and reintegrated in their communities without delay," added Ms. Coomaraswamy.

During the Working Group meeting, Ms. Coomaraswamy gave a briefing on her recent visit to Lebanon, Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory.
The Group was established pursuant to by the Security Council in 2005 to promote the protection of children in armed conflict through a monitoring and reporting mechanism, and to recommend actions on the issue to the UN system.

Mr. Ban's report on Somalia, also presented to the Group yesterday, estimates that more than one third of the victims who were killed and injured in fighting there in 2006 were children, with violence in Southern and Central Somalia is characterized by grave child rights violations.

In addition, he says, continued fighting in and around Mogadishu between the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and remnants of the Union of Islamic Courts forces has resulted in more casualties and violations against children in 2007.

"The recruitment and use of child soldiers by the TFG and other armed groups is a significant concern," he says.
The report says that humanitarian access in Somalia has been severely compromised, with serious implications for children. In the absence of a functioning police and judiciary, crimes against civilians, including women and children, are committed with impunity.

In the Uganda report, Mr. Ban said he was "deeply concerned over the absence of any concrete signs regarding the release of children associated with various forces."

The conflict in the northern part of the country, which began in 1986, pits the Government and local forces against the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), the rebel group which has become notorious for abducting children and then using them as soldiers or porters, while allocating many girls to senior officers in a form of institutional rape.

He urged the leaders of the LRA to take immediate steps to end child recruitment and the use of child soldiers, and to immediately release all children to child protection agencies.

He also called upon Ugandan Government forces to allow independent monitoring visits to military barracks to determine the existence of any child soldiers either in their ranks or in the ranks of allied local defence forces.
2007-05-11 00:00:00.000

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UN RIGHTS UNIT CALLS DARFUR BOMBARDMENTS 'INDISCRIMINATE AND INAPPROPRIATE'

UN RIGHTS UNIT CALLS DARFUR BOMBARDMENTS 'INDISCRIMINATE AND INAPPROPRIATE'
New York, May 11 2007 4:00PM
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (<"http://www.ohchr.org/english/">OHCHR) today described as "indiscriminate" a series of deadly aerial bombardments across the North Darfur region of Sudan and said there were many civilian casualties.

OHCHR said it has learned that the attacks – over which United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed deep concern on Wednesday – were carried out near El Fasher, North Darfur with helicopter gunships and Antonov aircraft between 19 and 29 April, killing and wounding civilians and destroying property, school buildings and livestock.

"The bombardments appeared to have been indiscriminate and disproportionate, failing to distinguish between military and civilian targets," Mr. Ban's spokesperson Michele Montas said. "The disproportionate use of force constitutes violations of international humanitarian and human rights law," she added.

In one incident that was cited by the Secretary-General in his <"http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2007/sgsm10985.doc.htm">statement, the school in the village of Um Rai was struck by rockets fired from a Government helicopter. Some of the 170 pupils in the school were injured in that attack, with two civilians killed in the attack on the village.

The OHCHR spokesman identified four other villages attacked during the period and said more information was being gathered on their consequences.

What we do know, he said, is that the attacks have contributed to an already critical humanitarian situation, causing renewed displacement and spreading terror among the civilian population.

More than 200,000 people have been killed and 2 million others displaced from their homes in Darfur since 2003 because of fighting between Government forces, allied Janjaweed militias and rebel groups since 2003.
2007-05-11 00:00:00.000

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UN MOBILIZING EMERGENCY TEAM FOR FLOOD-HIT URUGUAY

UN MOBILIZING EMERGENCY TEAM FOR FLOOD-HIT URUGUAY
New York, May 11 2007 3:00PM
The United Nations is mobilizing a Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) team for deployment to Uruguay early next week in the wake of the worst floods to hit the country in half a century.

The UNDAC team is being sent following an official request for support from the Government of Uruguay, where flooding has already driven some 12,000 people from their homes, and has affected more than 110,000 people overall.

Displaced people are being housed in shelters, including stadiums and sport institutions, and basic supplies are being delivered, according to an update from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (<"http://ochaonline.un.org/">OCHA).

But OCHA also warned that the high number of affected people and harsh weather conditions mean that additional assistance is needed. Thousands of houses have been damaged, as has much of the public infrastructure, including the water supply, sewer and drainage systems, power and telephone lines, roads, agricultural land and municipal buildings. Many of those affected are poor and vulnerable persons such as women, children and the elderly.

The situation is expected to worsen when the flood waters reach low-lying areas, according to OCHA, which yesterday made an emergency cash grant of $30,000 available for relief activities.
2007-05-11 00:00:00.000

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UN SEEKS ADDITIONAL $23 MILLION TO AID THOUSANDS MORE DISPLACED IN CHAD

UN SEEKS ADDITIONAL $23 MILLION TO AID THOUSANDS MORE DISPLACED IN CHAD
New York, May 11 2007 2:00PM
With the number of people displaced by violence in eastern Chad nearly tripling in the past half year, to some 140,000 from less than 50,000 in November, the United Nations today <"http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/RWB.NSF/db900SID/EVOD-734JCA?OpenDocument">appealed for $23 million in supplementary funds to cover their basic needs for the next three months.

"Not only has the growing displacement put pressure on already scarce natural resources in eastern Chad, it has stretched the humanitarian community's ability to respond to needs within existing resources to the limit," UN Humanitarian Coordinator Kingsley Amaning said.

He said the additional funding is needed to provide drinking water, shelter, food, farming seeds and basic health services to internally displaced persons (IDPs), as part of a 90-day emergency assistance plan developed by the UN and its partners.

"Time is of the essence," Mr. Amaning stressed. "If we don't act now it will be too late when the rains begin at the end of June; there will be limited access to the areas where most of the IDPs are."

The emergency appeal does not replace the <"http://ochaonline.un.org/cap/webpage.asp?Page=1492">2007 Consolidated Appeal for Chad, but instead fills gaps that have arisen, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (<"http://ochaonline.un.org/">OCHA) emphasized.

Displacement has been rising steadily in eastern Chad over the past year as fighting flares between the Government, militias and other armed groups, with much of the violence thought to be spilling over from the conflict in the neighbouring Darfur region of Sudan.

On 31 March alone, an estimated 400 people were killed and 9,000 displaced from the villages of Tiero and Marena during one such militia confrontation.
2007-05-11 00:00:00.000

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UN OFFICIAL URGES UGANDAN PARTIES TO PUT HUMAN RIGHTS AT CENTRE OF TALKS

UN OFFICIAL URGES UGANDAN PARTIES TO PUT HUMAN RIGHTS AT CENTRE OF TALKS
New York, May 11 2007 2:00PM
The top United Nations human rights official today urged the Government of Uganda and the insurgent Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) to reject impunity and ensure respect for international standards during peace talks set to resume tomorrow in Juba, southern Sudan.

"For a peace agreement to be durable it must be based on the principles of justice, accountability and the rule of law," High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour <"http://www.unhchr.ch/huricane/huricane.nsf/view01/E7EDC77A0D57F750C12572D8004F0E5B?opendocument">said in Geneva.

"Any accord must reaffirm the commitment of both parties to the core principle of international law that there can be no amnesty for war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, and gross violations of human rights," she said.

Recalling that members of the LRA have been indicted by the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (<"http://www.un.org/law/icc">ICC) for crimes against humanity and war crimes, the High Commissioner said, "Discussions concerning those persons should be focusing on the terms and circumstances of their surrender so they can go and address the charges against them before the ICC."

The High Commissioner also encouraged parties in Juba to commit to a national "victim-centered consultative process" aimed at gathering the views of all stakeholders on appropriate justice, accountability and reconciliation mechanisms.

"The peace agreement should set a timeframe for the national dialogue and identify an independent institution to coordinate the process, so that past abuses and violations, as well as deep-seated social and economic inequalities, may be addressed comprehensively," Ms. Arbour said.
Since the LRA rebellion began in 1986, the rebel group has become notorious for abducting children and then using them as soldiers or porters, while subjecting some to torture and allocating many girls to senior officers in a form of institutional rape.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) in October, 2005 issued its first-ever arrest warrants against Joseph Kony, the LRA leader, and four of the group's commanders – Vincent Otti, Okot Odhiambo, Dominic Ongwen and Raska Lukwiya – on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
2007-05-11 00:00:00.000

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UN COUNTER-TERRORISM BODY LAUNCHES ONLINE INFORMATION ASSISTANCE

UN COUNTER-TERRORISM BODY LAUNCHES ONLINE INFORMATION ASSISTANCE
New York, May 11 2007 1:00PM
In its continuing bid to help countries bolster their ability to fight terrorism around the globe, the Security Council's Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) has launched an online database containing information about technical assistance both requested by and provided to States.

The technical assistance matrix provides potential donors with a snapshot of where assistance is still needed by States in implementing Security Council resolution 1373 (2001) and the relevant provisions of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, according to the Executive Director of CTED, Assistant Secretary-General Javier Rupérez.

Resolution 1373 (2001) was adopted in the wake of the 11 September 2001 attacks in New York and Washington, D.C., and calls on countries to adopt a series of counter-terrorism measures in their national legislation. The Global Strategy, meanwhile, was an initiative of the General Assembly that brings together the various counter-terrorism activities of the UN system under a common strategic approach.

The matrix – accessible through the Committee's website at www.un.org/sc/ctc – gives potential donors a comprehensive overview on a country-by-country basis, from a regional perspective or by technical assistance subject area. It also provides information about assistance either currently or previously provided by other international and regional organizations, the UN system and Member States.

"We see the matrix as a valuable tool in helping donors to decide how best to develop their own counter-terrorism programmes and where it might be most useful to focus their efforts, in part to avoid duplication, since it highlights where assistance has already been matched and provided," Mr. Rupérez added.

As part of its work to facilitate technical assistant to States, CTED seeks to line up countries needing support with the various counter-terrorism programmes donors and organizations have available in such areas as drafting terrorism-related legislation, financial law and practice, training for law enforcement personnel, customs control and enhancing financial regulations.
2007-05-11 00:00:00.000

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UN AGENCY ISSUES RECOMMENDATIONS ON INTEGRATION OF REFUGEES IN EUROPE

UN AGENCY ISSUES RECOMMENDATIONS ON INTEGRATION OF REFUGEES IN EUROPE
New York, May 11 2007 9:00AM
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has issued a series of recommendations to help integrate refugees in Europe with the aim of enabling them to become productive members of society whether they stay or return home.

The proposals came following assessments in several countries which revealed a number of obstacles, including insufficient knowledge of local languages and differing cultures, lack of understanding within host societies of the specific situation of refugees, and discrimination and unreceptive attitudes towards foreigners, as well as the psychological impact of protracted inactivity during asylum procedures, agency spokesman William Spindler told reporters in Geneva today.

In response, he said, reception policies on asylum seekers "should be designed to minimize isolation and separation from host communities, as well as to provide for effective language and vocational skills development and assistance to pursue employment."

The overall aim is to empower asylum seekers and refugees to become active members of society, as this will boost their chances of successful integration in the host country or reintegration in their own country upon return.

"Detention, even if for a short period of time, can have lasting effects on individuals and on their ability to adjust to and integrate in the host society, particularly in the case of children and traumatized persons," Mr. Spindler said.

The recommendations were released in conjunction with an informal meeting of European Union (EU) ministers responsible for integration organized by the German EU Presidency in Potsdam this week.

2007-05-11 00:00:00.000

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JOLIE-PITT FOUNDATION DONATES $1 MILLION TO UN AND OTHER GROUPS WORKING IN DARFUR

JOLIE-PITT FOUNDATION DONATES $1 MILLION TO UN AND OTHER GROUPS WORKING IN DARFUR
New York, May 11 2007 9:00AM
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Goodwill Ambassador Angelina Jolie and actor Brad Pitt have donated $1 million towards the humanitarian effort assisting millions of people affected by the crisis in Sudan's Darfur region, the agency has announced.

"The donation from the Jolie-Pitt Foundation will go to three agencies playing key roles in Darfur and neighbouring Chad: the UN refugee agency; the International Rescue Committee and the international non-governmental organization, SOS Children's Villages," UNHCR said in a press release issued on Thursday.

All three agencies are active in providing life-saving humanitarian assistance to the more than 2 million people displaced within Darfur and the 240,000 refugees from Darfur living in camps in eastern Chad.

"This generous donation comes just months after Angelina Jolie made a personal visit to a refugee camp in Chad and it shows, once again, her and Brad Pitts' commitment to helping refugees and the displaced," said Michel Gabaudan, UNHCR's regional representative for the United States and the Caribbean.

"As Goodwill Ambassador, Jolie's continued support of UNHCR and those we seek to help is a powerful force in ensuring they are not forgotten."

In New York, George Rupp, president of the International Rescue Committee, said, "This donation will make a real difference in the lives of thousands of vulnerable people. We are grateful to Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt for remembering them."

Ms. Jolie has visited the region three times. During her recent visit to the Oure-Cassoni camp she said she was struck by the sense of hope she encountered and by the widespread desire for peace-keepers to be deployed in eastern Chad.

It was in Oure-Cassoni where the actress met staff working for SOS Children's Villages, who are providing psychological assistance to traumatized children.

"The children benefit enormously from the therapy," said Yolan
Broek, project leader of the Emergency Relief Programme of SOS Children's Villages in Chad. "Children who at first did not speak, did not eat and who were isolated in their own worlds, are now playing happily and are able to interact with others."

2007-05-11 00:00:00.000

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SOME SOMALIS RETURNING TO MOGADISHU, BUT SITUATION STILL TENSE, UN REPORTS

SOME SOMALIS RETURNING TO MOGADISHU, BUT SITUATION STILL TENSE, UN REPORTS
New York, May 11 2007 9:00AM
People displaced by the recent fighting in Somalia -- the worst in 16 years -- are gradually returning to parts of the capital, Mogadishu, but fear is preventing others from going back to areas where the military still has a strong presence, the United Nations refugee agency reported today.

UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) spokesman William Spindler told reporters in Geneva today that families who used to live in neighbourhoods affected by the fighting are still reluctant to go back, mainly because of the reported presence of soldiers from the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and allied Ethiopian troops.

"Civilians fear that should they go back, they might be caught once more in the crossfire if the fighting resumes," he said. "Our team reports that, even though fighting has ceased in Mogadishu, the situation remains very tense."

Some of the estimated 250,000 people who were internally displaced within the city by the previous conflicts that had been raging in Somalia since the central government collapsed in 1991 have not been able to return to their homes because their houses have been destroyed by mortar shelling, or because they can no longer access the place where they used to live because of insecurity.

"Many of these people were living in former public buildings such as Ministries or police stations, but the TFG recently announced that people had to vacate these buildings in the coming weeks," Mr. Spindler said.

"UNHCR is negotiating with the TFG to make sure that these people are relocated to other parts of Mogadishu where they can have access to basic services and infrastructure."

Meanwhile, UNHCR continues to deliver assistance to the numerous families who remain in Afgooye, 30 kilometres away. More than 40,000 people fled to the Afgooye area during March and April as heavy fighting raged in Mogadishu. In recent weeks, the agency has distributed relief items such as plastic she
some 50,000 people in and the area.

"Assistance is also being provided to poor, rural residents of Afgooye, many of whom live in the same places as the displaced families who fled Mogadishu and it is extremely difficult to distinguish between them, as they are all equally in need," Mr. Spindler said.

According to data provided to UNHCR by a network of aid agencies, almost 400,000 people have fled Mogadishu since the beginning of February, when the last round of fighting began.

People who have returned to Mogadishu mainly lack food, water and medicine. Mr. Spindler said the agency swill be appealing for more funds shortly to help Somalis displaced within the country and in surrounding countries.

2007-05-11 00:00:00.000

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EXPERTS APPOINTED BY THE SECRETARY-GENERAL TO THE BOARD OF THE UNITED NATIONS REGISTER OF DAMAGE CAUSED BY THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE WALL IN THE OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY

EXPERTS APPOINTED BY THE SECRETARY-GENERAL TO THE BOARD OF THE UNITED NATIONS REGISTER OF DAMAGE CAUSED BY THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE WALL IN THE OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY
New York, May 10 2007 7:00PM
The Secretary-General, in compliance with a recent resolution of the United Nations General Assembly, has appointed in their personal capacity three international experts to begin the work of establishing a register of damage caused by Israel's construction of a wall in occupied Palestinian territory.

Appointed to the Board of the United Nations Register of Damage caused by the Construction of the Wall in the occupied Palestinian territory, are: Harumi Hori of Japan, Matti Paavo Pellonpää from Finland and Michael F. Raboin of the United States.

They will commence their mandated work on 14 May at the office of the United Nations Register of Damage which is being established at the United Nations Office at Vienna , the Secretary-General's spokesperson, Michele Montas, told reporters in New York on Thursday.

The Board has the overall responsibility for the establishment and maintenance of the Register of Damage. As a policymaking organ, the Board would establish the rules and regulations governing the work of the office of the Register of Damage, determine eligibility criteria, categories of damage and the procedure of registration of claims, and have the ultimate authority in determining the inclusion of damage claims in the Register of Damage.

2007-05-10 00:00:00.000

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UNICEF AND CHAD SIGN AGREEMENT TO DEMOBILIZE CHILD SOLDIERS

UNICEF AND CHAD SIGN AGREEMENT TO DEMOBILIZE CHILD SOLDIERS
New York, May 10 2007 7:00PM
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has reached an agreement with the Government of Chad for the demobilization of child soldiers across the African country.

"UNICEF places the utmost importance on the protection of children, especially those affected by conflict," said <"http://www.unicef.org/media/media_39603.html">UNICEF Representative Stephen Adkisson.

He signed the accord, which builds on Chad's commitment to the Paris Protocols reached last February to demobilize child soldiers, yesterday in N'Djamena, the country's capital, with Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Djidda Moussa Outman.

The Minister reiterated his country's commitment to the Protocols and said that his Government will work with organizations such as UNICEF to help former child soldiers reintegrate into society.

UNICEF will assist the Government's national programme releasing children from armed groups, and offer them support and aid in reintegrating into their communities. This programme will also help Sudanese children who can return to their homeland.

Less than a week ago, approximately 300 soldiers were identified in the Guera region.

According to informed sources, the rebel group Forces Unies pour le Changement, which recently reached a peace deal with the Government, has more than 1,000 child soldiers within its ranks, and negotiations are currently underway for their demobilization and return to civilian life with their families.
2007-05-10 00:00:00.000

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SECURITY COUNCIL TOLD THAT KOSOVO REMAINS CALM BUT TENSE

SECURITY COUNCIL TOLD THAT KOSOVO REMAINS CALM BUT TENSE
New York, May 10 2007 6:00PM
Although the overall security situation in Kosovo is calm, tension is palpable in the ethnic Albanian majority Serbian province that the United Nations has administered since 1999, according to a new report by on last month's Security Council fact-finding mission made public today.

"Security is an essential pillar of any society and that is even more so for societies emerging from a violent and brutal conflict such as Kosovo," Ambassador Johan Verbeke of Belgium, the head of the six-day mission, <"http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs//2007/sc9015.doc.htm">told the 15-member Council.

The report, based on the mission's findings, noted that "while the Kosovo Albanian community is confident about the future, the Kosovo Serb community is apprehensive about its prospects for the future."

Although Kosovo, where Albanians outnumber Serbs and others by nine to one, remains divided between the two communities, the report said that there were encouraging signs, such as "the commitment to build a Kosovo for all its communities, conveyed by Kosovo's political leaders."

Just as divided are the positions of Serbia and Kosovo Serbs, on the one hand, and Kosovo Albanians and non-Serb communities, on the other, regarding the province's future.

While Belgrade and Serbs residing in Kosovo were adamantly against a solution that would lead to independence, the province's Albanians were optimistic that a solution would be reached soon.

In March, a report was issued by the Secretary-General's Special Envoy for the future status process Martti Ahtisaari, who said the only viable option for Kosovo was a phased process of independence.

The fact-finding mission's report also expressed concern at the very low numbers of internally displaced returning to their homes. Despite there being mechanisms in place for people to repatriate, many are discouraged by complex procedures, security concerns and limited economic prospects in the province where unemployment hovers near 60 per cent.

Last week, Mr. Verbeke briefed the Council on the mission's visit, which was undertaken based on a Russian proposal, to Pristina, Belgrade, Brussels and Vienna.
2007-05-10 00:00:00.000

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NEWSWEEK EDITOR NAMED UN DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND SPEECHWRITING

NEWSWEEK EDITOR NAMED UN DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND SPEECHWRITING
New York, May 10 2007 6:00PM
Michael R. Meyer, a United States journalist who worked previously in support of United Nations activities in Kosovo, was today named as Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's Director of Communications and Speechwriting.

Mr. Meyer "has had a long and distinguished career as a journalist with Newsweek Magazine," UN spokesperson Michele Montas said in making the announcement. Most recently, he was the Europe/Middle East editor for Newsweek International. He has also served as the magazine's Bureau Chief in Central Europe and in Los Angeles.

In addition, Mr. Meyer was assigned by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) to work with the UN Mission in Kosovo on media development projects from 1999 to 2001.

The 55-year old journalist served as Newsweek's Bonn/Berlin bureau chief covering the collapse of the Berlin Wall and German reunification. He was also Newsweek's lead reporter throughout the revolutions in Eastern Europe and the war in Yugoslavia.
2007-05-10 00:00:00.000

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EXPERTS APPOINTED TO UN UNIT FOR PALESTINIAN CLAIMS AGAINST ISRAELI BARRIER

EXPERTS APPOINTED TO UN UNIT FOR PALESTINIAN CLAIMS AGAINST ISRAELI BARRIER
New York, May 10 2007 5:00PM
Ahead of Monday's activation of the United Nations unit that will register claims for damage caused by Israel's construction of a barrier in occupied Palestinian territory, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today <"http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs//2007/sga1064.doc.htm">appointed three international compensation experts to guide its operations.

Appointed to the Board of the United Nations Register of Damage, the Secretariat for which is based at the UN office in Vienna, are: Harumi Hori of Japan, Matti Paavo Pellonpää from Finland and Michael F. Raboin of the United States.

The purpose of the Register of Damage is to document damage incurred to Palestinian homes, business and agricultural holdings. That documentation will be used for possible future international adjudication, not to settle claims directly, according to the Register's mandate, which was set out in a December 2006 General Assembly resolution.

The Board, among other responsibilities, will determine eligibility criteria, categories of damage and the procedure of registration of claims, and has the ultimate authority to accept or reject inclusion of such claims in the Register.

The Register was created in response to a ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which concluded that Israel violated various international laws by constructing the barrier, which, it said, destroyed homes, businesses and agriculture.
2007-05-10 00:00:00.000

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UN'S SECOND-IN-COMMAND MAKES PUBLIC HER FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

UN'S SECOND-IN-COMMAND MAKES PUBLIC HER FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE STATEMENT
New York, May 10 2007 5:00PM
Following the example of United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, his deputy today released her financial disclosure statement for 2006-07 to the public after submitting it for review to an outside financial auditing company.

A confidential review of the statement of Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro by PricewaterhouseCoopers, the firm hired by the UN to examine such documents, found that no further action is required regarding her compliance with the UN Financial Disclosure Programme.

The disclosure statements apply to about 2,000 UN personnel and were one of the initiatives aimed at creating greater accountability put in place during the tenure of former Secretary-General Kofi Annan, who also submitted the form but never made its contents public.

Under the programme, which is administered by the UN Ethics Office, public disclosure is not required and is done so on a voluntary basis.

This past January, in a speech in Washington D.C. to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, Mr. Ban said he was making his statement public "to set an early example" of his goal as Secretary-General to promote "the highest standards of integrity and ethical behaviour" at the UN.

Ms. Migiro's statement, which covers the period between 1 February 2006 and 31 January 2007, has been posted on the Secretary-General's website with certain personal details removed for security reasons.

It indicates that Ms. Migiro and her husband, Cleophas Lukanazya Chitende Migiro, own two houses and a plot of land in their native Tanzania, as well as stock in a cement company. They also maintain several bank accounts containing more than $10,000.

In 2006, Ms. Migiro also received salary and expenses from the Government of Tanzania for her work as Member of Parliament and Foreign Minister of that country. She states that she has resigned from both posts as well as from her position in the central committee of a Tanzanian political party.
2007-05-10 00:00:00.000

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TIMOR-LESTE: BAN KI-MOON 'GREATLY ENCOURAGED' BY PEACEFUL PRESIDENTIAL RUN-OFF

TIMOR-LESTE: BAN KI-MOON 'GREATLY ENCOURAGED' BY PEACEFUL PRESIDENTIAL RUN-OFF
New York, May 10 2007 4:00PM
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today said that he was "greatly encouraged" by yesterday's peaceful presidential run-off election in Timor-Leste, the tiny nation that gained independence from Indonesia in 2002.

The UN peacekeeping mission in the country, known as <"http://www.un.org/Depts/dpko/missions/unmit/index.html">UNMIT, reported that "the people cast their votes in a calm and orderly manner, reflecting once again their commitment to democracy," Mr. Ban said in a <"http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs//2007/sgsm10991.doc.htm">statement issued by his spokesperson.

"The final round caps a similarly peaceful electoral campaign," he added.

Voters went to the polls yesterday to select either Jose Ramos-Horta or Francisco Guterres as their nation's president. The initial round of polls – the first ever in Timor-Leste – took place on 9 April with eight candidates vying to lead the country.

Mr. Ban "congratulates the people and authorities of Timor-Leste and trusts that the same peaceful and democratic spirit will prevail during the vote counting and tabulation process over the next few days," the statement added.

Provisional results of the election are expected to be released either tomorrow or Monday.
2007-05-10 00:00:00.000

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SIERRA LEONE ELECTIONS ON TRACK, BUT ASSISTANCE STILL NEEDED - BAN KI-MOON

SIERRA LEONE ELECTIONS ON TRACK, BUT ASSISTANCE STILL NEEDED – BAN KI-MOON
New York, May 10 2007 4:00PM
Calling preparations for the upcoming national elections in Sierra Leone a "remarkable success," United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today urged the international community to remain engaged in helping the West African country continue its recovery from a brutal civil war.

"The fact that 91 per cent of the eligible voters have registered for the July 2007 elections is both a demonstration of the civic maturity of the people of Sierra Leone and an important indication of the increased capacity of the National Electoral Commission," Mr. Ban said in his latest <"http://www.un.org/Docs/journal/asp/ws.asp?m=s/2007/257">report on the work of the UN Integrated Office in Sierra Leone (<"http://www.uniosil.org/">UNIOSIL).

Among other notable accomplishments of the Commission, as assisted by UNIOSIL, Mr. Ban noted the recruitment and training of election workers, the drafting of election petition rules and the installation of technical advisers.

The deployment of state authority across the country, however, continues to lag behind and efforts to combat corruption and promote accountability have been painfully slow to yield results, he said.

"In this regard, the country clearly needs the support of the international community," he maintained, urging the Government to work closely with the UN's Peacebuilding Commission following the agreement reached on a framework for further consolidation of the peace.

In October 2006, the Commission declared Sierra Leone eligible to benefit from the recently set-up multi-million dollar Peacebuilding Fund, which is aimed at assisting countries emerging from conflict to rebuild and prevent them falling back into bloodshed. Sierra Leone's 10-year conflict began in 1991 and left thousands dead and many more mutilated.

In order to further advance peace consolidation, Mr. Ban said the national armed forces and the police needed "significant additional support" in the areas of equipment and accommodation.

In addition, he pointed out that a solid private sector in the country was still lacking. "Without a vibrant economy based on free-market principles and clean practices, the country will not be able to achieve the much-needed acceleration of the growth rate," he said.

Finally, he advocated that the Government and its partners should step up efforts to reform the judiciary and promote human rights, especially those of women and children.

UNIOSIL, the first integrated UN office established to support a peace-consolidation process, was established following the completion of peacekeeping operations in Sierra Leone that ended on 31 December 2005. It is made up of almost 300 people, comprising 82 international staff, 192 local staff and 24 UN Volunteers.
2007-05-10 00:00:00.000

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DARFUR PEACE PROCESS AT A 'CROSSROADS,' UN ENVOY SAYS

DARFUR PEACE PROCESS AT A 'CROSSROADS,' UN ENVOY SAYS
New York, May 10 2007 4:00PM
The fragile peace process in Darfur is at a "crossroads," the United Nations Special Envoy for the strife-torn region said today, as he and his counterpart from the African Union (AU) wrapped up their third joint visit to Sudan.

Serious obstacles to the political process – including the dire humanitarian situation, the persistence of tribal clashes and unrest in camps – still exist, Jan Eliasson told reporters at the Khartoum headquarters of the UN Mission in Sudan (<"http://www.un.org/Depts/dpko/missions/unmis/">UNMIS).

"We have talked very much about peacekeeping, an indispensable part of the process towards peace in Darfur, but we all must remember there has to be a peace to keep," he said.

In order to capitalize on the momentum, the efforts of all sides must unite since "there is a risk that the parties will turn to various alternatives," Mr. Eliasson said. "But if we have convergence now and move the negotiations process in a convergent framework, then we will be able to seriously prepare for negotiations."

The AU's Salim Ahmed Salim echoed Mr. Eliasson's sentiments. Saying that he is conscious of the role played by such countries as Eritrea, Libya, Egypt and Chad, Mr. Salim said that "the question of common position or platform on the part of the movement is extremely crucial to facilitate a speedy and effective process of negotiations."

Mr. Salim stressed the significance of the relationship between Chad and Sudan in bringing peace to Darfur, where more than 200,000 people have been killed and at least 2 million others forced to flee their homes since 2003.

"We firmly believe that without the normalization of these relations, without the improvement of these relations, it will be extremely difficult, if not impossible to achieve a breakthrough in the Darfur peace process," he noted, welcoming recent initiatives to bolster their relationship.

One of the main objectives of the visit, Mr. Salim said, was to hold internal talks to assess the current situation and to map out the next phase. "We have had intensive discussions on this and we are now, at least as the Special Envoys, quite clear on the way forward and how to bring about the process, how to bring the negotiations, and how to initiate the various steps before the negotiations," he stated.

The two envoys have submitted their road map for the future of the peace process to their principals – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and AU Commission Chairperson Alpha Oumar Konaré, and will wait for their responses before proceeding.

Since arriving in Sudan on Tuesday, the two envoys have held a series of meetings with the UN/AU Joint Mediation Support Team to discuss the next steps to spur the peace process.

They also met with Government authorities, including First Vice-President and President of the Government of Southern Sudan Salva Kiir to discuss the initiative of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM), a former rebel group in the south, to help reinvigorate peace talks.

Today, Mr. Eliasson and Mr. Salim held talks with Presidential Advisor Majzoub Al Khalifa and with diplomats in the capital.

Mr. Eliasson is scheduled to brief the Security Council in New York next week.
2007-05-10 00:00:00.000

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MEDIA, RELIGION MUST OVERCOME RAMPANT MISTRUST BETWEEN CULTURES - BAN KI-MOON

MEDIA, RELIGION MUST OVERCOME RAMPANT MISTRUST BETWEEN CULTURES – BAN KI-MOON
New York, May 10 2007 3:00PM
With an epidemic of mistrust of the "other," along with rising terrorism and other inter-group violence, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the President of the General Assembly today called on the media, religions and individuals to work for mutual respect as a major conference on co-existence opened in New York.

"In our age of satellite television and jet travel, distances have collapsed but divisions have not," Mr. Ban <"http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs//2007/sgsm10990.doc.htm">said at the start of the Assembly's two-day programme entitled Civilizations and the Challenges for Peace: Obstacles and Opportunities, which will feature prominent academics, commentators and political leaders exploring causes and solutions to the problem.

"Instead, our proximity has heightened longstanding suspicions of 'the other' – the other religion, the other ethnicity, the other nationality," he noted.

"In response, we need to reassert the truth that diversity is a virtue, not a threat," maintained Mr. Ban, who recently named former Portuguese president Jorge Sampaio as the first UN High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations, the international initiative set up in 2005 to promote reconciliation between religions, cultures and nations.

At today's Assembly session, Mr. Ban said that the media can shape people's views and influence their actions, educating, informing and demystifying, even while it entertains.
"It can promote the message that what unites humanity is much stronger than what superficially separates us," he said.

Similarly, he said that religion can have a tremendous positive influence if people of faith stress their common ideals – compassion, solidarity, respect for life and kindness towards others – and urge their fellow believers to treat others as they themselves would wish to be treated.

In opening the programme, Assembly President Sheikha Haya Rashed Al Khalifa <"http://www.un.org/ga/president/61/statements/statement20070510.shtml">agreed that religions were the key. "We must put a stop to the misuse of religion in contemporary society, and reject extremist ideologies that severely threaten peace and understanding among nations and peoples," she said.

In general, she said, "It is our obligation to act quickly to put an end to preconceived ideas and to mutual fears. Only then will we rise above our differences and together build a better future for all."

It is also necessary to acknowledge and act on the causes of instability in the world, she said, listing poverty, disease and armed conflict, as well as intolerance and cultural clashes.

In a series of round-tables during the event, panellists will include Amre Moussa, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States and Ghassan Salame, Professor of International Relations at Sciences Po University and Former Minister of Culture of Lebanon.

Karen Armstrong, a prominent author of texts on comparative religion, is also expected to participate, along with Mohamed Arkoun, Emeritus Professor of the History of Islamic Thought at the Sorbonne, Robert Thurman, Department of Religious Studies at Columbia University, Manish Kasliwal, National Chairman of the Young Jains of India, Karen Brooks Hopkins, President of the Brooklyn Academy of Music and Paul LeClerc, President and CEO of the New York Public Library.
2007-05-10 00:00:00.000

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UN HUMANITARIAN AGENCY RUSHES EMERGENCY AID TO FLOOD-RAVAGED URUGUAY

UN HUMANITARIAN AGENCY RUSHES EMERGENCY AID TO FLOOD-RAVAGED URUGUAY
New York, May 10 2007 2:00PM
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) announced today that it is sending an emergency cash grant of $30,000 to Uruguay to aid victims of flooding, the worst the country has seen in half a century.

Approximately 12,000 people have been forced from their homes and 110,000 people, the majority being the poor and vulnerable such as women, children and the elderly, have been affected by the heavy rains, <"http://ochaonline.un.org/webpage.asp?Page=873&Lang=en">OCHA reported. Seven of the country's 19 departments have been affected, with three central ones – Durazno, Soriano and Treinta y Tres – suffering the worst.

Most of the displaced are currently living in Council shelters and local sports clubs, and most schools in the affected areas have been shut down.

Thousands of homes and much of the public infrastructure – such as the water supply, sewer and drainage systems, power and telephone lines, roads, agricultural land and municipal buildings – have been damaged.

The OCHA grant, which comes after an official Government request for UN assistance, will be channelled through the world body's Resident Coordinator in the South American country and will be utilized for the purchase of relief supplies and to provide logistical support for national and local authorities.

Of particular concern is the water and sanitation situation in the areas affected by the flooding, with roughly 30,000 people having no access to clean drinking water. There is also an increased risk of waterborne disease spreading in vulnerable communities.

Preliminary needs include food, blankets and mattresses for those driven from their homes, as well as chlorine, soap and other cleaning supplies to prevent the spread of disease.

With adverse conditions expected to persist in the coming days, the number of people affected by heavy rains is expected to increase, especially as flood waters reach lower-lying areas.
2007-05-10 00:00:00.000

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UN-BACKED FORUM LINKS ADVANCED KNOWLEDGE TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

UN-BACKED FORUM LINKS ADVANCED KNOWLEDGE TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
New York, May 10 2007 1:00PM
The interconnections between education, scientific research and technological innovation and their part in sustainable development will be explored in Trieste, Italy, starting today by policy-makers and experts from the educational, scientific and business worlds, the United Nations' educational agency said today.

The World Forum on Education, Research and Innovation is sponsored by the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (<"http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=37732&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html">UNESCO) and the G-8 group of countries that includes Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the United States.

According to UNESCO, the Forum aims to identify opportunities, as well as risks, for both industrialized and developing countries in the pursuit of sustainable development through advanced knowledge and technologies, including special roundtables on Africa and the role of Government.

The forum, which runs through 12 May, is being organized by the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics, an international scientific institution under the aegis of UNESCO and the International Atomic Energy Agency (<"http://www.iaea.org/NewsCenter/index.html">IAEA).
2007-05-10 00:00:00.000

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UN TEAMS WITH AMERICAN RED CROSS TO RESTORE FISHERIES IN TSUNAMI-DEVASTATED AREAS

UN TEAMS WITH AMERICAN RED CROSS TO RESTORE FISHERIES IN TSUNAMI-DEVASTATED AREAS
New York, May 10 2007 1:00PM
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) announced today that it has partnered with the American Red Cross to help fishing communities in Indonesia's Aceh Province that were heavily impacted by the 2004 tsunami.

The three-year project will assist in promoting the responsible and sustainable management of fisheries and aquaculture that coastal communities rely on for food and employment. Enhanced supervision of these sectors is crucial to prevent overfishing and prevent any further damage to ecosystems still recovering from the tsunami, <"http://www.fao.org/newsroom/en/news/2007/1000556/index.html">FAO said.

Focusing on long-term planning, good management practices and improved handling and marketing practices, the scheme will target problems that existed prior to the devastating tsunami but were exacerbated by the disaster and its aftermath.

"These capacity-building measures seek to foster sustainability of fisheries and aquaculture in Aceh after the tsunami," noted Ichiro Nomura, FAO's Assistant Director-General of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Department.

FAO will provide technical and planning help, as well as hold training sessions and will lead the project's implementation, while the American Red Cross will foot the $7.5 million bill.

Roughly 750 Indonesian Government officials at the national, provincial and local levels will participate in the scheme, along with 4,000 people in fishing communities. An additional 770,000 others will benefit indirectly through increased food supplies and employment opportunities.

"We are excited to be working in partnership with FAO on a project that will have a significant impact in restoring these communities," said Gerald Anderson, Senior Director of the Tsunami Recovery Program for the American Red Cross. "Not only will the project provide people with essential needs – like food and income – but it will also help them to develop the capacity to manage fisheries for the long-term."
2007-05-10 00:00:00.000

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UN-BROKERED HEALTH CARE TRUCE AIDS CHILDREN IN 700 PHILIPPINES VILLAGES

UN-BROKERED HEALTH CARE TRUCE AIDS CHILDREN IN 700 PHILIPPINES VILLAGES
New York, May 10 2007 12:00PM
Children and their families in 700 remote villages in conflict-ravaged southern Philippines have received essential health care, many for the first time in their lives, through a historic truce arranged with Muslim rebels, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) announced today.

In a campaign known as 'Days of Peace,' arranged between <"http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/philippines_39598.html">UNICEF and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), fighting that has raged between the insurgents and the Government for decades was suspended for two weeks starting in mid-April so that health workers could provide immunizations, micronutrient supplementation, counselling and other basic care.

"Peace-building efforts will not succeed if we fail to deliver the basic services that families need," said UNICEF's Representative in the Philippines, Dr. Nicholas Alipui, who led immunization teams deep into remote areas during the campaign.

Members of the popular Filipino rock band Bamboo also joined aid workers in the region to support the campaign and assist children in the villages, many of whom were found in desperate need. "We knew we were going to see children who needed help, but nothing could have prepared us for the reality of seeing such deprivation," lead singer Bamboo Manalac said.

Because of such great need, two more Days of Peace campaigns are now in the works for the region – one in July and another in October.

"The Days of Peace campaign is not just a series of special missions," Dr. Alipui said. "We intend to help re-establish routine coverage of conflict areas."
2007-05-10 00:00:00.000

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WORKPLACE DISCRIMINATION STILL RAMPANT AND TAKING ON NEW FORMS, UN SAYS

WORKPLACE DISCRIMINATION STILL RAMPANT AND TAKING ON NEW FORMS, UN SAYS
New York, May 10 2007 10:00AM
Although progress has been made at combating discrimination in the workplace, rising gender disparities in income and other forms of discrimination – including age, sexual orientation and HIV/AIDS status – are cause for growing concern, the United Nations Labour Organization (<" http://www.ilo.org/global/About_the_ILO/Media_and_public_information/Press_releases/lang--en/WCMS_082596">ILO) said in a new report released today.

"The global picture of the struggle to overcome discrimination shows a mixture of advances and failures," said the study, entitled "Equality at work: Tackling the challenges," which finds that people are not only being discriminated against based on their sex, race or religion, but also on newer criteria such as age, sexual orientation, HIV/AIDS status and disability.

"These barriers to equality can prevent societies from realizing the full potential of today's globalized economy," it stated.

The report said that the ILO's Member States have made great progress in their efforts to curtail discrimination in the workplace. "The condemnation of discrimination in employment and occupation is today almost universal," it noted, citing that improvements have been made since its first edition was issued four years ago. Since then, most of the ILO's 180 Member States have ratified its two main conventions on discrimination.

However, the need to stamp out such discrimination has become far more urgent "in the face of a world that appears increasingly unequal, insecure and unsafe," the study observed.

Inequalities in income, assets and opportunities "dilute the effectiveness of any action aimed at combating discrimination." The ILO warned that "this may lead to political instability and social upheaval, which upset investment and economic growth."

One of the study's major themes is the perpetuation of gender gaps in employment and pay as well as the need for policies that take work and family responsibilities into account to address this issue. In the European Union (EU), for example, the difference in average gross hourly earnings between men and women has remained high at 15 per cent.

The ILO cites the availability of good-quality jobs for women in legislative, senior or managerial positions as a key indicator in women's improvement, with higher rates of participation signifying a drop in discriminatory barriers.

Women continue to represent a distinct minority in these positions worldwide, with only 28.3 per cent of all women holding such positions. Progress in this area is uneven across regions, with North America at 41.2 per cent, Latin America and the Caribbean at 35 per cent and the EU at 30.6 per cent. Although the number of women with such professions has almost doubled in the past nine years in South Asia, the women of the region have the lowest share of the positions at only 8.6 per cent.

Despite the push for greater global commitment to non-discrimination and equality and such landmark initiatives as the "<" http://www.ilo.org/public/english/protection/trav/aids/publ/code.htm">ILO Code of Practice on HIV/AIDS in the world of work" which have revolutionized responses to AIDS in the workplace, the report states that "many shortcomings persist."

Enforcement remains weak and oftentimes offices created expressly to tackle discrimination are understaffed or underfunded. Additionally, a growing informal economy allows for such anti-discrimination laws to be bypassed.

The report also asserts that the likelihood of a person with a disability finding a job decreases as the level of disability increases. With almost half a billion people with disabilities being of working age, there is mounting concern regarding discrimination against these people. The study noted that in Europe, a person between the ages of 16 and 64 has a 66 per cent likelihood finding employment, but this figure dips to 47 per cent for a moderately disabled person and drops even further to 25 per cent for a severely disabled person.

Also highlighted in the report was the penalization of people with a genetic predisposition to developing certain diseases or those who have lifestyles considered unhealthy.
2007-05-10 00:00:00.000

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OVER A DOZEN UN RIGHTS EXPERTS JOINTLY URGE RELEASE OF DAW AUNG SAN SUU KYI

OVER A DOZEN UN RIGHTS EXPERTS JOINTLY URGE RELEASE OF DAW AUNG SAN SUU KYI
New York, May 10 2007 10:00AM
As the current detention term of Nobel Laureate Daw Aung San Suu Kyi approaches, over a dozen United Nations human rights experts have joined their voices to <"http://www.unog.ch/80256EDD006B9C2E/(httpNewsByYear_en)/6CCD799AB7BCEC96C12572D70032492F?OpenDocument">call on the Myanmar authorities to free her and all other political prisoners.

"We believe this would give a significant sign of the Government's will to initiate a genuine and effective transition towards democracy," the experts said in a statement released in Geneva.

Ms. Suu Kyi, the General-Secretary of the National League for Democracy, has a current detention term ending on 27 May, and has been held for 11 years without charge or trial since her party and its allies won the 1990 election with over eighty percent of the Parliamentary seats. She has been kept in isolation for the past four years.

"As of one of the world's most acclaimed human rights defenders, the Nobel Peace Prize Laureate is a major political and spiritual leader of Myanmar," the experts said. "Her tireless commitment to non-violence, truth and human rights has made her a worthy symbol through whom the plight of all people in Myanmar may be recognized."

They called on the Government of Myanmar to release her unconditionally and to free all the remaining political prisoners.

The stability of Myanmar, they said, "is not well served by the arrest and detention of several political leaders or by the severe and sustained restrictions on the exercise of civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights."

The statement was endorsed by the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, Paulo Sergio Pinheiro; the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Human Rights Defenders, Hina Jilani; the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention; the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, Ambeyi Ligabo; the Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, Leandro Despouy; the Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, Manfred Nowak; the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences, Yakin Ertürk; the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, Asma Jahangir.

Also signing on were the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people, Rodolofo Stavenhagen; the Special Rapporteur on adequate housing as a component of the right to an adequate standard of living, Miloon Kothari; the Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, Paul Hunt; the Special Rapporteur on the right to food, Jean Ziegler; the Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children, Sigma Huda; and the Special Rapporteur on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography, Juan Miguel Petit.
2007-05-10 00:00:00.000

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WORSENING TENSIONS IN PAKISTANI REGION PROMPT SUSPENSION OF UN ACTIVITIES

WORSENING TENSIONS IN PAKISTANI REGION PROMPT SUSPENSION OF UN ACTIVITIES
New York, May 9 2007 6:00PM
The United Nations has suspended its operations and closed its offices in the Tehsil Bagh area of Pakistan for two weeks amid mounting concerns at a series of recent attacks against humanitarian workers operating in the region.

In a statement released in the capital Islamabad, the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Pakistan said the decision had been taken "in view of the current security situation and the prevailing tensions."

Only emergency services will continue during the next two weeks, while UN officials will consult Government authorities and monitor the situation before announcing any resumption of activities.

UN aid workers have been particularly active in Bagh district since the devastating earthquake struck the region in October 2005.

Today's statement added that the UN had decided to enhance its coordination and communication links with the rest of the humanitarian community and with Bagh civil authorities and local community leaders.

A communication plan will also be developed to better inform the local community about the activities and policies of the world body.
2007-05-09 00:00:00.000

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ACTRESS DREW BARRYMORE BECOMES ADVOCATE FOR UN WORLD FOOD PROGRAMME

ACTRESS DREW BARRYMORE BECOMES ADVOCATE FOR UN WORLD FOOD PROGRAMME
New York, May 9 2007 6:00PM
The American actress Drew Barrymore was named today as an Ambassador Against Hunger for the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and charged with the task of using her celebrity as a film star to advocate for school feeding projects in some of the world's poorest countries.

Ms. Barrymore, 32, becomes the latest Ambassador for the <"http://www.wfp.org/english/?n=320">WFP, joining Kenyan world marathon record-holder Paul Tergat, himself a former recipient of school feeding programmes, among others. Last year WFP fed 19.4 million children across 71 countries through such projects.

"I can't think of any issue that is more important than working to see that no schoolchild in this world goes hungry," Ms. Barrymore said after today's announcement in Washington. The actress recently visited WFP-supported school feeding projects in Kenya.

"Feeding a child at school is such a simple thing – but it works miracles," she said. "I've seen it with my own eyes," adding that school feeding schemes have a proven record of boosting enrolment rates and academic performance.

Ms. Barrymore, Mr. Tergat and senior WFP officials have been in Washington this week to raise awareness about school feeding programmes and to advocate for legislation that would expand and regularize United States funding for such activities.

Currently WFP estimates that more than 112 million school-aged children around the world are undernourished and live in poor nations.

WFP Executive Director Josette Sheeran welcomed the announcement of Ms. Barrymore, who has been involved in the Artists for the UN initiative since 2004, as an Ambassador for the Programme.

"Her passion and commitment to changing the world for the better – and of course the respect and admiration she commands – will make her a wonderful champion for school feeding," Ms. Sheeran said.
2007-05-09 00:00:00.000

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WITH UN-BACKED CD, SIERRA LEONEANS TO DANCE TO THE RHYTHMS OF RECONCILIATION

WITH UN-BACKED CD, SIERRA LEONEANS TO DANCE TO THE RHYTHMS OF RECONCILIATION
New York, May 9 2007 5:00PM
The lilting messages of peace and civic engagement will be heard on sound systems across Sierra Leone, starting this week, with the release of a new CD produced by local musicians in collaboration with the United Nations Integrated Office in Sierra Leone (UNIOSIL).

According to <"http://www.uniosil.org/">UNIOSIL, the CD will help amplify its efforts to broadcast the findings of the country's Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), meant to help heal rifts left by 14 years of bloody civil war, and to elicit greater citizen engagement in the country, where illiteracy rates remain high and where music plays an important role in social and cultural life.

The 35 artists who contributed to the CD include such local stars as Zibo, Born Dada, Father T, Jonny Wisdom and Miriam.

Topics of the 15 numbers, as indicated by their titles, include "Sierra Leone belongs to every citizen," "Human Rights," "Corruption" and "Women in Sierra Leone," sung in English, Krio, Temne, and Mende.

The album will be launched at a gala concert at the national stadium in the country's capitol, Freetown, on 12 June, by Adisa Jelani Andwele, renowned musician and poet of Barbados and Goodwill Ambassador of the UN Development Programme (<"http://content.undp.org/go/newsroom/">UNDP).

In his letter of invitation to the concert, the Executive Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Sierra Leone, Victor Angelo, noted that "the messages contained in the music CD are widely anticipated to create the opportunity for greater citizen engagement towards a further strengthening of the legal, judicial, institutional and administrative mechanisms, as well as cultural and democratic values."
2007-05-09 00:00:00.000

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CLIMATE CHANGE AND DEVELOPMENT MUST BE TACKLED TOGETHER - BAN KI-MOON

CLIMATE CHANGE AND DEVELOPMENT MUST BE TACKLED TOGETHER – BAN KI-MOON
New York, May 9 2007 5:00PM
Climate change, industrialization, air pollution and the need to boost clean energy supplies for developing countries are urgent global challenges that must be addressed in concert, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today as he opened a gathering of dozens of environmental ministers at United Nations Headquarters in New York.

"Energy, climate change, industrial development and air pollution are critical items on the international agenda. Addressing them in unison creates many win-win opportunities and is crucial for sustainable development," Mr. Ban <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=2561">told the high-level <"http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs//2007/envdev935.doc.htm">meeting of the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD).

In the area of energy, which provides the particular focus for the current session that runs from 30 April to 11 May, the Secretary-General noted that about 1.6 billion people lack access to electricity, and 2.4 billion people do not have modern energy services for cooking and heating.

"We must do more to use and develop renewable energy sources," he said, calling for unified efforts that could create benefits on all fronts.

"Greater energy efficiency is also vital," he stressed. "So are cleaner energy technologies – including advanced fossil fuel and renewable energy technologies – which can create jobs, boost industrial development, reduce air pollution and help to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions."

With climate, energy and sustainability issues priorities for his term as Secretary-General, Mr. Ban pledged to tighten coordination on the issues.

"The United Nations system has taken steps to respond to these challenges in an integrated and coherent way," he said. "We need to mainstream energy and climate issues more deeply into our programmes and activities, and to strengthen inter-agency cooperation on specific activities," he added.

This year's CSD marks the 20th anniversary of the Brundtland Commission report, Our Common Future, which was seen as a landmark document on sustainable development.

Addressing today's meeting after the Secretary-General, Gro Harlem Brundtland – a former Norwegian prime minister and director-general of the UN World Health Organization (<"http://www.who.int/mediacentre/en/">WHO) – said that while some progress had been made on poverty in years since the report, billions still fight for survival at the same time that climate change looms.

"We must move forward on a broad front," Ms. Brundtland said, advocating the development of a truly global carbon market and serious measures to enable developing countries to "leap-frog" to clean development.

With increased political will, "we stand on the threshold of a new, green economy," she added. "This is our calling and it can be done," she said, concluding that "failure is not an option."

Following Ms. Brundtland's presentation, some 30 of the assembled ministers made statements, agreeing that halting the degradation of the earth's environment and providing energy and development to the poor were equally crucial, and urging coordinated action from the international community.

"It is no secret that implementation has been the Achilles heel of the global development agenda," Malik Amin Aslam, Pakistan's Minister of State for the Environment, said on behalf of the Group of 77 developing countries. "Ironically, the implementation of what has already been agreed to globally also remains the biggest challenge to sustainable development."

Like other ministers from developing countries, Mr. Aslam noted that the poorest were the hardest hit by environmental degradation and climate change, and that developing countries could not tackle the challenges alone. "Working together, in partnerships, premised on the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities in protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development, is, therefore, important and indispensable," he said.

Meanwhile, on the sidelines of today's ministerial meeting, Dr. Anna Tibaijuka, Executive Director of <"http://www.unhabitat.org/">UN-HABITAT, briefed reporters on climate change from the perspective of cities and towns.

Ms. Tibaijuka noted that 60 per cent of greenhouse gases come from cities, and many cities are vulnerable to rising sea levels and other threats from climate change. Nearly one third of the urban poor are victims of climate change whose rural lifestyles are no longer viable.

"Without sustainable urbanization, sustainable development will prove to be illusive," she stressed.

Also coinciding with the current CSD session, the UN Food and Agricultural Organization (<"http://www.fao.org/newsroom/en/news/2007/1000555/index.html">FAO), today announced the launch of a new <"http://www.globalbioenergy.org/">website to promote the use of bioenergy.

The website is the Internet home of Global Bioenergy Partnership (GBEP), whose Secretariat is hosted by FAO in Rome and which encourages the sustainable use of "green" fuels, with particular focus on developing countries.
2007-05-09 00:00:00.000

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PRESIDENTIAL RUN-OFF IN TIMOR-LESTE WAS INCIDENT-FREE, UN REPORTS

PRESIDENTIAL RUN-OFF IN TIMOR-LESTE WAS INCIDENT-FREE, UN REPORTS
New York, May 9 2007 4:00PM
The United Nations peacekeeping mission in Timor-Leste said that today's presidential run-off election in the small island country which gained independence from Indonesia in 2002 proceeded smoothly and peacefully.

According to the UN mission in the country, known as <"http://www.un.org/Depts/dpko/missions/unmit/">UNMIT, no security incidents were reported, the Secretary-General's spokesperson Michele Montas said at a press briefing in New York.

Voters went to the polls to select either Jose Ramos-Horta or Francisco Guterres as their nation's president.

Ballot counting has begun and provision results are set to be released either this Friday or next Monday.

UNMIT has observed that the campaigning period leading up to today's election "has been free of any serious incidents of violence and intimidation."

The initial round of polls, which were the first ever in Timor-Leste, took place on 9 April with eight candidates vying to lead the country.

UNMIT is helping Timor-Leste with all aspects of the 2007 presidential and parliamentary electoral process, including through technical and logistical support, electoral policy advice and verification.
2007-05-09 00:00:00.000

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UN AGENCY LAUNCHES FREE E-COURSE ON CAUSES AND CHARACTERISTICS OF MALNUTRITION

UN AGENCY LAUNCHES FREE E-COURSE ON CAUSES AND CHARACTERISTICS OF MALNUTRITION
New York, May 9 2007 4:00PM
The causes and nature of malnutrition are the focus of a free e-learning course launched today by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) with the aim of improving the collection, analysis and dissemination of food security information.

The three-lesson course, known as "Nutritional Status Assessment and Analysis," has been produced by <"http://www.fao.org/newsroom/en/news/2007/1000554/index.html">FAO in conjunction with the European Commission (EC) and was launched in Rome during the latest meeting of the Committee of World Food Security.

Each lesson is designed to be interactive and self-paced, using illustrated step-by-step exercises and instructions to guide the student and drawing on case studies, job aids and methodological guidelines. The course also has resources available for trainers.

Other e-learning courses already available include "Reporting Food Security Information" and "Food Security Information Systems and Networks." A French-language version of each course is expected to be developed soon.
2007-05-09 00:00:00.000

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FIVE NEW EXPERTS JOIN UN ANTI-NARCOTICS PANEL

FIVE NEW EXPERTS JOIN UN ANTI-NARCOTICS PANEL
New York, May 9 2007 3:00PM
Five new experts from three continents have joined the 13-member independent body monitoring the implementation of United Nations drug control conventions, which began its latest session today in Vienna.

Raymond Yans (Belgium), Xin Yu (China), Carola Lander (Germany), Sri Suryawati (Indonesia) and Maria-Elena Medina Mora (Mexico) were elected by the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) to serve five-year terms on the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB).

They join <"http://www.incb.org/incb/index.html">INCB President Philip O. Emafo of Nigeria, Brian Watters (Australia), Camilo Uribe Granja (Colombia), Joseph Bediako Asare (Ghana), Hamid Ghodse (Iran), Tatyana Borisovna Dmitrieva (Russian Federation), Sevil Atasoy (Turkey) and Melvyn Levitsky (United States).

Meeting in closed session in the Austrian capital, the Board will consider the latest developments in more than 200 countries and territories, discuss shortcomings in some countries' drug control systems and devise proposals to overcome these deficiencies.

The Board, which is meeting through 18 May, will also focus on the specific situations in Bhutan, Colombia, Liberia, Nepal and the Republic of Congo after undertaking missions to those nations. Afghanistan's Deputy Minister of Counter Narcotics Col. Gen. Khodaidad will speak about the efforts made by that country's Government to tackle its serious problem with illicit drugs.

INCB members serve in an individual capacity and monitor compliance with the provisions of the international drug control treaties. The panel ensures that adequate supplies of legal drugs are available for medical and scientific purposes, and makes certain that no leakage from licit sources of drugs to illicit trafficking occurs. It also identifies and helps to correct weaknesses in drug control systems and determines which chemicals used to manufacture drugs should be under international control.
2007-05-09 00:00:00.000

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BAN KI-MOON URGES PEACEFUL SOLUTION AT UN MEETING ON QUESTION OF PALESTINE

BAN KI-MOON URGES PEACEFUL SOLUTION AT UN MEETING ON QUESTION OF PALESTINE
New York, May 9 2007 3:00PM
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today called for a peaceful and negotiated two-state solution as the UN Committee opened the UN African Meeting on the Question of Palestine today in Pretoria with the South African Government's support.

"A viable and independent Palestine and a safe and secure Israel would not only be a blessing for the two peoples, but would also help promote peace and stability in the wider region," Mr. Ban said in a <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=2559">message delivered by Tuliameni Kalomoh, Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs.

He said that he is encouraged by recent international and regional efforts to spur action on the Middle East peace process, while pointing out that challenges remain.

"The United Nations will continue to support international efforts aimed at bringing an end to the occupation that began forty years ago, and achieving a two-state solution," he added.

The two-day gathering sponsored by the UN Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People Africa will be followed on 11 May by the UN Public Forum in Support of Israeli-Palestinian Peace, to be held at the University of Pretoria.

Under the theme "African solidarity with the Palestinian people for the achievement of its inalienable rights," the gathering aims to "encourage broad international action, including by African States, in support of achieving a viable Israeli-Palestinian peace," the Committee said in a news release.

Among those invited to participate are internationally renowned experts, including Israelis and Palestinians, diplomats, parliamentarians, representatives of the UN system and other intergovernmental organizations, and representatives of civil society and the media.
2007-05-09 00:00:00.000

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SECRETARY-GENERAL CALLS CHEMICAL WEAPONS MEMORIAL 'A SYMBOL OF SUFFERING AND HOPE'

SECRETARY-GENERAL CALLS CHEMICAL WEAPONS MEMORIAL 'A SYMBOL OF SUFFERING AND HOPE'
New York, May 9 2007 3:00PM
Marking the unveiling of a permanent memorial in The Hague to victims of chemical weapons, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today pledged to redouble the efforts of the world body to achieve universal membership of the Chemical Weapons Convention.

"The memorial you unveil today is a symbol of suffering and hope," Mr. Ban said in a video <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=2560">message to the unveiling ceremony in the Dutch city. "With it, we remember the unspeakable horror endured by victims of chemical weapons. And we vow that their pain will never be forgotten by present and future generations."

The memorial, designed by the Dutch sculptor Voebe de Gruyter, consists of a maple tree situated among dunes outside the headquarters of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).

The tree carries a solar panel array that will be used as a power source for a webcam, with the live video captured by that webcam to be displayed on the memorial's website. Granite paving around the tree will feature a poem dedicated to victims of chemical weapons.

The ceremony also marks the 10th anniversary of the Chemical Weapons Convention entering into force, and the pact now has 182 States Parties covering 98 per cent of the world's population.

"I call on those States that have not yet ratified or acceded to the Convention to do so without delay," Mr. Ban said. "And I call on all possessor States to complete the destruction of their declared stockpiles according to the deadlines."

The ceremony in The Hague was attended by Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, OPCW Director-General Rogelio Pfirter, Dutch Foreign Minister Maxime Verhagen and representatives of OPCW Member States, international organizations, the chemical industry and civil society.
2007-05-09 00:00:00.000

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